10 back to school teacher ideas for the classroom

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Although the dates are often known, going back to school still takes a good number of teachers by surprise. Some teachers look forward to it but are always skeptical about the challenges they might face on the first week of resuming. The main worry is often about finding the right activities that would get students back into the rhythm. We carried out a research on different strategies used by teachers across the world and came up with a list of 10 back to school teacher ideas for the classroom. Identify what works best for you based on your context. Good luck!

  • Map out a scavenger hunt

This idea is about hiding objects in different locations in the classroom and asking students to find them. It could be objects they usually use like pens, pencils, sharpeners, books etc. Another way of doing it is by focusing the activity around students and their friends; like finding out something about a classmate.

  • Promise the class something nice

Kids like promises and gifts; always have this at the back of your mind as a teacher. This could be simply a school trip, a funny game, candies or any items that could trigger excitement amongst students.

  • Make a Self-Portrait

A self-portrait could be using drawings or worded descriptions of themselves. This activity could also tie in well with the first idea mentioned earlier. At the end, get students to look at what their classmates came up with. This is much fun.

  • Research alternative methods

Also research into other back to school methods from the internet. The best way to go is to visit large and active Facebook groups within different niches or subjects. Teachers are often posting questions and answers about their experiences. You can also ask questions or contribute to the topic. It’s a great way of always being updated with the latest methods.

  • Make a Time Capsule

This is very common and equally a very fun idea. Teachers can ask students to write out their dreams and read them aloud. They can also put down things they hope to achieve during the semester. This can be placed in the time capsule till the end of the semester so that the students can see how much they have developed and achieved within that period.

  • Start with a book read

This is another great idea for teachers. Start with an interesting book that is certain to make their resumption a memorable one. It could also be a book that tackles your subject from another angle. Check out trending books by age / class on Amazon or on relevant Facebook groups.

  • Begin a guessing game

This is a great way to usher in a new topic in the classroom. It also gives you an idea beforehand of the level of knowledge students have on a particular topic. A guessing game will also enable you to identify students that are comfortable on some topics and will give you a good idea of class management.

  • Share a story

Teachers can let student share stories about how they spent their holiday and interesting events that occurred. This would help in bonding and is also quite fun. Also remember to share your story to your class; especially those that could excite your students.

  • Create a wall of happiness

Teachers can find out from their student what makes them happy. They can be asked to write them down and the answers pinned on the wall. Besides being a fun idea, it could also help in uplifting moods later on.

  • Set a Goal

All students can be asked to set their goals for the semester for fun; this is a fun back to school activity which would have a long term impact.

If you have any great back to school ideas for teachers feel free to contact us so that we can make this list much complete. Let’s make a great impression welcoming students on the first day of school.

Bonus Idea: Remember students are coming back from a long break from studies and they might have lost the rhythm. Relax and don’t take things too seriously, they will get back into it over time.

Importance of teaching critical thinking skills in the classroom

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Critical thinking has become an essential skill in today’s world.Students need to learn to develop better critical thinking skills.It is almost too easy these days to go on the internet and find instant answers to questions . The result is that students are falling behind in their ability to ask the correct questions and analyze those answers.

What is Critical Thinking

This has been described as :

The ability to ask the right questions

To be able to read between the lines

Recognize that there is problems

Recognize the difference between suggested assumptions and clear details.

The ability to be able to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information

Be able to identify bias .

Good critical thinking allows a person to consistently draw the right conclusions .It is not just the ability to criticize .

Create a critical thinking culture in schools

Two of the main methods that can be used in introducing critical thinking skills in the classroom are :

Socratic Questioning

This was developed by Socrates the early Greek Philosopher and is still relevant today .It relates to the importance of looking for evidence,questioning always ,analyzing and realizing implementation . There is no value in feeding students endless facts and content to remember parrot fashion .Students should be encouraged to ask questions about a subject and learn from the answers drawing up their own conclusions . Teachers should respond to all answers with a further question.Stimulate students to ask further questions and in so doing establish connections between various topics.In this way teachers can help students to discover facts for themselves .

RED Critical thinking

This was introduced by Watson and  Glaser in the 1930’s . The acronym for RED stands for :

Recognize assumptions  – separating fact from opinion

Evaluate Arguments -Ability to analyze evidence objectively

Draw conclusions – Arrive at logical conclusions .

Advantages of critical thinking in schools

  • Improves problem solving abilities and helps in decision making by excluding guess work .
  • Increases creativity
  • By analyzing problems the right life choices can be made
  • Organizational ability improves .
  • Saves time .Critical thinking teaches how to prioritize time and resources allowing you to only analyze what is needed.
  • Critical thinking teaches students how to be their own person and not to take everything they read on the internet at face value .
  • Students who receive some training in critical thinking will adapt quickly to a university environment where such a skill is needed.

Young people need to know how to think not what to think .In schools in Singapore ,which are rated among the best in the world, at reading,maths and science ,students are taught critical thinking skills .

Finally a quote from  College and Career Readiness Survey 2015 “ California teachers say critical thinking skills,not scores on standardized tests,are the best way to assess whether students are prepared for success in college and the workplace “

Isn’t it perhaps time that more attention was paid to this philosophy by all schools today ?

Why it is important to wear school uniforms

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Whilst a few public schools in America had uniforms in the 1980’s it wasn’t until 1994 when Long Beach in California adopted a rule that all pupils in elementary and middle school would be required to wear school uniforms .

Statistics show that a higher percentage of city public schools than suburban  public schools require that children wear uniforms. As at the beginning of 2017, 23 % of public schools required students to wear uniforms with the cost to each parent being calculated at $ 249 per student .( Statistics Brains March 7 2017)

However the debate as to whether it should be mandatory for students to wear school uniforms still continues. There are several points which can be considered as advantages to this.

Security

After the dreadful shooting at Columbine School in 1999 many schools started to adjust their uniform policies ,using it as a way to help keep students safe and secure .

If students are wearing uniforms it helps to identify any intruders on school property .

It has been noted that wearing school uniforms helps to reduce the forming of gangs. Schools that do not have these policies find that gangs form and can dress to identify their group .I.e colors ,caps etc.

  • Long Beach CA implemented a mandatory school uniform policy in 1995 . After a few years they found that overall the crime rate at schools dropped by 91 %.School suspensions dropped by 90% ,incidents of vandalism reduced by 69 % and assaults in the K-8 grades decreased 28 %.
  • Statistics from Norfolk VA who also introduced mandatory school uniforms show a similar picture .They found that the incidence of students leaving class without permission dropped by 47% and fighting at school dropped by 38 %.
  • These figures provided by Statistics Brains report March 2017 clearly show that the wearing of school uniforms can have a positive benefit in a school .

Sense of Community

It has been found that when students wear a uniform they develop a strong sense of community and pride in their schools .If a uniform is worn with pride then it usually means a deepened respect to both fellow classmates,teachers and the surrounding community .

Reduces Peer Pressure

The wearing of school uniforms can help unify a school no matter what their family income and upbringing . There is intense pressure on school going age children to conform .This way there is no competition as to who has the most expensive item of clothing or who is wearing clothes in fashion . In schools where there is no uniform policy many students feel picked on for having different clothes leading to poor self esteem .

Reduces Expenses

Once the one time  expense of school uniforms is managed, there is more money available to families . There is no pressure for parents to make sure that their child does not stand out from others with a particular item of fashion .It can add up to a lot of money .Students should be more focused on their education than their wardrobe .

Wearing school uniforms give a sense of belonging,takes away the pressure of what to wear and gives students an increased feeling of security .It may not be the most fashionable but the advantages of schools introducing a uniform cannot be denied.

Disadvantages of school uniforms

Based on the arguments raised earlier, it can be agreed (to a large extent) that the advantages of wearing school uniforms outweigh the disadvantages. However, some disadvantages of school uniforms that have been mentioned across different literature are as follows:

  1. Uniformity (in dressing) leads to a lack of creativity in self-expression and style.
  2. One style in some cases does not fit all. People feel and look good in different styles and this varies from person to person.
  3. Parents must maintain a routine of making sure uniforms are always clean before the start of the week. It is not uncommon to find students who fail to wash their uniforms and have to repeat dirty uniforms to school.
  4. Schools are taking advantage of students to promote their brands without any form of compensation.
  5. Uniforms add an extra cost to parents especially at the start of every school year.

The school uniforms debate hence rests on the individual circumstances of every parents and student concerned.

What are some ways that bullying can be prevented and stopped

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Bullying is a very real problem in many schools in America .Statistics indicate that approximately  2.3 million students are victims of bullying each year. This results in over 160 000 teenagers missing  school every day because of bullying .When questioned 90% of students between 4th and 8th grade report that they have been victims of bullying whether physically  or verbally .These facts alone indicate that bullying is still a huge problem in our schools .

The best way to address bullying in a school is to stop it before it actually starts.There are a number of things that teachers ,principals and parents can do to that will make schools safer and prevent bullying .

Educate Students about Bullying

As part of a teaching curriculum students should be taught to identify what bullying is in themselves or as they see it in others.They should be taught to be able to communicate positively .Having these skills will help create a more positive environment at schools.This will in turn ensure that bullying is less likely to occur.

Classroom discussions can be held about the motivation and effects of bullying .Students should be taught that bullies are usually children who have experienced bullying themselves.Those bullies suffer from low self esteem .They try to make themselves feel better by making sure that they can control children around them . It is important that students understand the terrible effects that bullying can have on the victim.

Hopefully this education will help children understand the effects, supporting any school anti bullying campaign .

System in place to report bullying

All schools should have a system in place for a child to report bullying ( anonymously if need be ).This must be well advertised at the school .If there is no system in place parents should lobby for one .These systems should be drawn up with the advice of a professional counselor .All reports must be taken seriously.

Counseling must be available

Counseling should be available through the school for children who are victims of bullying and for those that do the bullying .If need be these children should be referred to therapists outside of school for on going assistance .

Bullying Awareness Campaigns

Regular awareness campaigns should be held at schools both in assemblies as well as backed up by support in the classroom .Poster competitions  can be held highlighting Anti Bullying .Classes and groups of children could act out play situations where bullying may take place .Teachers can assist by helping children to understand the impacts of bullying.

Consequences of Bullying

Schools should have in place systems where there are strong consequences for bullying.Bullying is actually an illegal in 49 states.Zero tolerance should be shown .However once reported,efforts must be made to get to try and establish why the bullying is taking place .

Family relationships and Bullying

Parents also need to be educated and pass this onto their children that bullying is not acceptable behavior. Families should examine their family relationships and make sure that there is no bullying at home .

Cyber bullying

Mention should be made of the growing trend of cyber bullying . Children must be taught never to respond to this form of bullying.Report any bullying on social media to parents and teachers . They must be taught to protect their accounts and save evidence if necessary .

Bullying has been part of our society since the beginning of time and it is not going to disappear very easily.Hopefully with a joint effort between schools,parents and children it eventually will .

How To Get Your Kindergartner To Do Homework

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When a teacher sets homework it is usually to help children remember and understand what they learned at school that day.When children first start school many parents fear the though of their children bringing home homework. However if you work closely with your child it will help them set up study /homework habits that will not only assist with schoolwork but in fact teach them valuable life lessons. It can help your kindergartner to learn what it is like to work independently, responsibly and time management.

How much time should be spent on homework.

The National Education Association suggests that between 10 and 20 minutes per night should be devoted to homework in the 1 st grade. An additional 10 minutes per grade should be added on per grade level after that.

Successful Homework Habits to develop

Set an area aside 

Find a quiet area where they can settle to do their homework. It should be free of clutter and preferably it should be available everyday. The television should be off. It is also important that your child has all the materials they may need close to them to prevent the distraction of searching to find pens, paper,crayons etc .

Get into a routine after school 

Homework for young children in the junior grades should always be done fairly soon after they get home from school and information is fresh in their minds .

It is advisable to give your child a light lunch or little snack and talk to them about their day at school . After this, set aside time for homework. Any extra curricular activities should be arranged for later in the day after homework.

If your child is just starting out on their school life, it is important that as a parent, you establish rules regarding homework from the beginning. They must learn that whilst the extra curricular activities are beneficial, homework is more important. In general young children will be tired after extra activities and they should not have to rush through homework just before bedtime.

It’s your child’s homework not the parent’s

Parents should be involved with their child’s homework. Especially when the child is very young it is important to be near by and monitor your child. However do not do their homework for them. As a parent be close to guide and help when your child becomes frustrated but let them feel proud of their work.

Be Positive about Homework .

When your child starts bringing homework home for the first time don’t forget to tell them how proud you are of them and how grownup they must be. If you as a parent discuss about homework as a chore, then your child will too. Encourage them to show you their work and praise them upon completion.

Put in place a daily incentive

These can be useful to encourage your child to settle and complete homework. A small daily incentive like “When you complete your homework you may watch half an hour of television ” is a good example. It will give your child something to look forward to when they are finished .

A small amount of homework can be a valuable life lesson for Kindergartner children. Drop us your thoughts about other methods of getting kindergartners to do their homework not mentioned here.

Benefits Of Outdoor Learning In Primary Schools

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When a majority of parents were young they had a lot less restriction placed on where they went and how they played, however nowadays with safety being paramount and computers being a common plaything, children are experiencing less and less time outdoors. Unfortunately, this is something they badly need for their own self-development. But with most parents working full time as well as trying to raise children, trips to the park and outdoor visits have become scare. The weekends become a time for resting while children entertain themselves with tech gadgets inside the house.

It has been proven that taking children outdoors, (be it on the school grounds outside the building or on a school trip) can help to reduce their stress levels. Reducing stress levels in turn helps them to relax and be more likely to concentrate in the classroom.

Furthermore, to demonstrate how different the lives of our children today are to our own childhoods (in terms of time spent outdoors) the average schoolchild’s time spent outside was compared to that of a prisoner and the findings were shocking. It showed that only a quarter of all children of school age spend more time outdoors than prison inmates. In addition to not being able to spend time with nature and increase fitness, being restricted in the time they spend outside can also cause low vitamin D levels essential for development and thus increase in stress levels. This could be one of the reasons for the recent spike in depression and mental illness. By spending time outside more often children are able to be more creative and solve problems in a different environment where they are more likely to absorb information. As a result of the studies many schools are now including ‘forest schools’ where children have an area of land on the school where classes take it in turns to go bug hunting, build fires and interact more with their classmates.

In addition to helping children in many areas, those with special needs such as ADHD can benefit from being outside as they are given learning tools that they can work with. Being outdoors doesn’t have to mean a multitude of school trips that parents and the state may be unable to afford. You can ensure that children are getting more time outside by arranging trips to local churches, parks, forests and other non-expensive activities. Some schools even take children on walks around their local area to give them a better understanding of where they live pointing out things they are unlikely to have noticed while rushing past in their parent’s car on the way to and from school.

With times having changed and children spending less time doing outdoor activities it’s important that the integration of outdoor education is adopted in all learning institutions. It’s an inexpensive way to increase morals and can even help to improve the way children learn back in the classroom. Times may have changed, but there are ways to ensure that children do not lose sight of real nature in favor of screens and stuffy classrooms. What are your thoughts on outdoor learning ? Let us know.

Creative Development Activities For Preschoolers

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More and more parents are realizing that education begins even before their children start school and can be reinforced by certain activities you carry out at home. Most of the activities don’t need any more tools than you already have lying around your home and you could help to develop their creative skills through play. As they play, watch them develop their own style. Before school you are your child’s main teacher, nurse, provider and everything in-between so they feel comfortable with you and like to spend time with you. Teaching your children creative development activities and guiding them is a great way to bond and prepare them for school. Here are some ideas for you to try out with your preschooler.

Developing skills and understanding

So far your child would have learned to take the lead in most situations. When they’re hungry or thirsty they ask, impose and get things done. There are however other things that you will have had to take control of such as when they need to go to bed, shower and getting them prepared for school. There are some things they can take control of and others that they can’t.

It’s always nice to let your child lead and letting them get more involved. Some times even let them guide you on what should be done but also incorporate the idea that one way does not always mean the only way. Examples include drawing a person; where you can draw in different ways but still achieve the same result. Be sure to let your child know that they don’t have to conform or copy others, just to be themselves with their creative flair.

To stimulate their imagination and confidence to do things differently make sure that they have lots of books, songs on CD’s or iPad, playdough, blocks and other similar toys and props that can be used in different ways. Having a lot of materials can help develop their sense of touch too. Most importantly teach your child to complete what they are doing by encouraging them. When they are done be sure to praise them no matter what they come up with. It’s about creativity so there are no right or wrong answers.

Use what you have

You don’t have to have a lot of money to buy new things for them to play with. A pan and wooden spoon serve as a great drum and you can make your own salt dough for sensory and artistic play. An empty box could be a shop, a car, a house or anything that you child wishes. Teach them to be resourceful by using household items and get them to personalize their creation by painting or drawing on it.

Dressing up

Although we want to encourage our children to be their own person it’s also good to provide them with props for role play. They can be a police man, a teacher, a nurse or anything their imagination defines. You don’t have to purchase ready-made outfits unless you want to. You can make your own and provide your child with clothes from charity stores costing little or nothing.

Tell us more on other creative development activities you practice with your preschool children. Remember to search from other homeschool Facebook groups to see what parents are talking about on the subject.

Things to watch out for when home schooling your kid

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Home schooling is not always easy on the parent and the child .Statistics show that it is estimated that a total of just over one and half million children were home schooled during 2015 with this figure growing by an estimated 2.71 % each year.( a2z Home schooling.com).

Parents in particular that take on the responsibility of home schooling must be aware and plan for different circumstance that may arise . The points below are listed by parents who have home schooled their children over a few years.

Understand there will be failures

Children can be haunted throughout their whole school career by a sense of failure . They often learn this by watching their parents.Therefore if the child and the parent fail sometimes then be open about it . Expect it occasionally and teach your child that you can learn from this and be better next time .

Children pay attention to what their Parent Teachers do not what they say.

Children that are taught from home can have a unique perspective on how to tackle and deal with projects . They learn in an everyday environment that it is possible to deal with failure and succeed in the end . Make sure that this example carries through to their school work .

Encourage Self Reliance .

Be very watchful of turning into an overbearing parent . Allow your child to become more self reliant .Don’t allow your child to pass up on submitting an assignment .If they cannot do it they must be able to explain to you why not . It is often easy for a parent who home schools their child to make excuses for the child as to why they have not been able to complete the work .

Allow the child to try and find the time to complete their work within your home life schedule .

Combining the roles.

The parents of home schooled  children are also teachers and principals all rolled into one . Sometimes it is easy to forget that firstly you are a parent. Make time to laugh and play together ,go shopping or watch a movie . Do this without asking about the homework you set them.

Important to allow your child to choose .

21st Century education is accepting of the fact that there is not a right or wrong way to learn . Allow your child to figure out what works for them.Their unique learning style may be much better than the one which you were taught and that which you are trying to pass onto your child.In a way this also allows your child to gain self confidence and control her education process more . They will benefit when they are off to college later and have to be able to learn without parents watching over them.

Worry about the final results not how they get there.

Build in mental health days.

This idea allows the child to have three mental health days a year . They can decide when they want them .On these days there should be no school and parents should stay out of the way .

It is amazing how children respond to this ..weighing up the pros and cons of when they should cash in their free day .

Homeschooling can be a challenge but with careful management and care it can be a positive lasting experience .

Strategies for dealing with challenging behavior in the classroom

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Every class has those children who will habitually disrupt a classroom .There are many types of challenging behavior .It is important that teachers are able to identify and learn to deal with this challenging behavior.

What is Challenging Behavior

It is really any form of behavior that causes concern to the teacher.The most common examples are :

  • Arriving Late for Lessons
  • Not listening to teacher
  • Talking excessively and being noisy
  • Not settling down to work
  • Being out of seats for no reason
  • Preventing other classmates from being able to work .

There are students who may need referral for challenging behavior that require special attention and intervention by the teacher and school.IE ADHD,Autism etc  .In this article prominence is given to challenging behavior that may be rectified by the teacher in the classroom with out outside referral.

Below are some classroom management tips on how to deal with those challenging students.

Involve Parents

Make sure that parents are kept in the loop if their child is getting into trouble.Try to foster a bond with the parents which will help determine an effective strategy .

Keep the student close

If at all possible keep the student close to you.Keep them at a desk at the front of the classroom .This usually helps to limit negative behavior.

Keep to the same routine

The same steps should be used each time when trying to get the student to behave.It should be clear that this type of disruptive behavior will ALWAYS result in a particular consequence.

Ignore Poor Behavior

The student is seeking attention by challenging behavior in the classroom situation . Sometimes by just holding back and ignoring the behavior, the students settle down again .Discuss with a class the consequences of disruptive behavior by one student and encourage the other classmates to ignore the challenging student .Often this settles things very quickly.

 Regroup

Sometimes when the students behavior continues, even after several reminders , it is best that the student be removed from the situation.Teachers should create an area in the classroom where students can go and sit quietly.When they calm down they can return to the class participation .When this does not work ( often with older students) then the students may need to leave the classroom and sit in a desk perhaps in the hallway for a short period of time .The student should however be given simple tasks to keep them occupied .

This gives both the teacher and the student a time out to allow feelings to settle .

Choosing when to Discipline .

If a teacher calls out a student in front of their friends and peers then it is very difficult to win .If at all possible wait till later and talk to the student one on one .Empathize with the student and try to discover what is really going on .Praise when ever possible .

Communicate non verbally

Develop ways that you can watch and give children, who are often challenging ,attention .( Which is what most are seeking ) Smile ,raise an eyebrow ,look directly at the student and give them a thumbs up or down .

Challenging classroom behavior is one of the hardest problems a teacher may deal with as it can impact on the class as a whole . Spend time trying differing techniques to limit this problem .

Why Home Schooling is a bad idea

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More and more parents seem to be deciding that homeschooling is the answer to all their problems. This is for both the child and the parent .Whilst home schooling can be a rewarding experience it is not as easy as parents think. In fact there are many disadvantages to home schooling .

Teacher is trained 

One of the most important factors is that a teacher has had extensive training on how to teach your child over a number of years .Teachers training includes psychology,best types of teaching practices and child growth .Teachers that are employed in the school system are required to be certified and their educational knowledge will be far more extensive than most parents .

Socialization
It is very important that your child learns the ability to socialize.They must be able to interact with both their peers and other children .In order to do this a child must be exposed to other situations that occur outside the home .The classroom and playground allow controlled situations for your child to develop and learn.

A child must be able to form bonds with children their own age. Whilst of course efforts can be made to ensure children to mix with other home schooled children it is often difficult to arrange .This lack of socialization may effect children in later life .

Time Commitment.

Parents who home school their children need to set aside a lot of time to plan lessons ,teach give tests ,arrange field trips etc .It is a full time commitment to make sure your child is receiving a rounded education .This is of course even more difficult for single parents .

Costs

Home schooling can be costly . In public schools education is free.Some parents do choose to use a paid home school program .In addition there is no special discounts for outings and visits to educational establishments that schools often receive .

Text books and teaching tools can work out expensive .

Often one parent chooses to stay home to be the teacher . This means a sacrifice when one parent is unemployed .

Minimum Facilities

Traditional schools provide materials and specialized teachers .Most high schools have a well equipped laboratory for physics and chemistry which is difficult t duplicate in a home environment .A traditional  school also provide facilities for sports like gyms ,fields and swimming pools .

Special needs Subjects

Schools usually have teachers on staff who are specialized in remedial subjects and dealing with children with special needs.I.e Autism or ADHD .

In addition particularly in the higher grades teachers are subject related experts.Apart from the normal basic subjects, teachers are available specialized in music ,Art ,Physical Education and Theater .It is very hard for a parent to be an expert on all of these subjects .

Ability to be Parents and Educators

Being an home teacher requires you to interact with your child almost 24/7 . It is often difficult to know where to draw the line when teaching of a subject should stop and when being a parent should begin. It requires endless patience and a lot of motivation to home school a child .

Whilst home schooling can work well in the family environment it is important that Parents remain Parents and consider the above points before making that final decision .